Peterbilt Model 567 enters production
The newest addition to Peterbilt’s vehicle lineup–the vocational Model 567–is now in full production. The truck or tractor can be configured to meet a wide range of heavy- and severe-duty applications as a day cab or with the OEM’s complete line of detachable sleepers. Unveiled earlier this year, the new model was developed during an
Rolling as part of a system
Recently, while discussing radial truck tire performance with several seasoned industry veterans, a valid and useful point was raised. Several decades ago, many truck tire problems used to be finally diagnosed as simply that “tire problems.” This is less the case in recent years. Tire performance is best understood and more expediently diagnosed when considered
Haney Truck Line uses maintenance management software to effectively address the needs of its fleet
Five years ago, handwritten information on the maintenance of the Haney Truck Line fleet was the norm, says Scott Kessinger, service and parts manager. “Today,” he states, “maintenance management software is enabling us to more effectively manage 450 tractors and 1,500 trailers in three shops.” Headquartered in Yakima, Wash., Haney Truck Line is one of
Dana shows support for commercial vehicle market in Mexico
At Expotransporte ANPACT 2013 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Dana Holding Corp. demonstrated its range of products and solutions for Mexican truck, bus, and coach markets. Included were drivetrain solutions and aftermarket sales and service capabilities for dealers and fleets in the region. Dana has 11 facilities in Mexico that produce commercial vehicle products, supplying Spicer steer,
Safety first at Verst: Driver and equipment initiatives at Verst Group Logistics are resulting in impressive safety performance
“When it comes to safety, we are best served by addressing behaviors, focusing on avoiding and preventing risk,” says Christopher Cusick, vice president, transportation at Verst Group Logistics. “We don’t need to spend time teaching drivers how to drive trucks.” Verst Group, headquartered in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio, corridor, is taking a multi-faceted approach to
Two solutions make for more confident operations
Mike Colaccino of SAF-Holland offers two worthwhile operational solutions provided by good technology: “check fifth wheels properly and manage diminishing pay loads smartly.” The increased trailer skirt usage in truckload or long-haul fleets has given rise to the difficulty in ensuring fifth wheels are engaged before a trip’s start. SAF-Holland’s national service manager, Rob Nissen, points out the company’s fifth wheel model FW35 features a lock adjustment yoke shaft that sticks out the front of the fifth wheel casting. This yoke shaft also functions effectively as one of three visual verifications of a proper trailer coupling.
Air suspensions explained: A fleet’s bottom line can benefit from trailer air suspensions
Trailer air suspensions offer fleets many benefits, including optimized fuel efficiency and tire life, superior cargo protection, improved ride characteristics and minimized wear and tear on trailer components. These advantages can be maximized with some basic knowledge concerning the ins and outs of air suspensions, along with a good understanding of maintenance practices. We asked several manufacturers of trailer air suspensions to weigh in on the subject, and their advice could save fleets a significant amount of time and money.
Meijer and its suppliers are benefiting from evaluating new vehicles, systems and components
Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates 203 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The company’s stores are served by a fleet of 170 tractors and more than 2,100 dry freight and refrigerated trailers, including 2010 through 2014 model year Freightliner Cascadia power units and trailers from Vanguard, Utility, Wabash and Great Dane.
Reman ECUs: Better than new
On a recent trip to the Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC facility in Hibbing, Minn., Fleet Equipment had a chance to see first-hand how engine electronic computer units (ECUs) are remanufactured. Unlike other vehicle component remanufacturing facilities such as those that remanufacture engine blocks, axles and transmissions, etc., this electronic reman facility was smaller, quieter, extremely clean and free of dust and anything that might cause an electrical interference.
Automated, automatic transmissions & integrated powertrains
Delivering fuel to gas stations throughout northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas, Fleet Transit’s fleet of 50 tractors is faced daily with some of the nation’s heaviest stop and go traffic. The company was looking for ways to lower maintenance costs, eliminate driveline problems and increase fuel economy, notes Ken Glover, maintenance supervisor. It also wanted to improve safety and enhance driver recruitment and retention.